MIAMI, Fla. – The FIU men's basketball team looks to ride its momentum into a three-game win streak this Saturday night, as the Panthers welcome Middle Tennessee inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center for a 7 p.m. tip.
 
Saturday, Jan. 28 vs. Middle Tennessee (13-8, 6-4 C-USA)

• Time / Site: 7 p.m at Ocean Bank Convocation Center
• TV: ESPN+
• Radio: FIU3932 Sports
• Tickets
• Live Stats

 
The Panthers have bounced back in the win column upon a two-game streak and look to be clicking at just the right time in hosting the Blue Raiders, who come off a 85-67 loss at No. 21 FAU on Thursday night.
 
FIU rallied for a momentous 22-4 run in the second half versus Western Kentucky on Thursday to pull away for a 78-69 win, as Denver Jones led the charge with 17 points, three 3-pointers and three assists and rebounds each.
 
Jones leads the Conference USA in scoring in league games at 20.0 ppg, as the sophomore's net double figures in 17 games this season behind 49.4 percent shooting (2^nd C-USA) and 87.4 percent at the line (1^st C-USA).
 
Two-time C-USA Freshman of the Week Arturo Dean continues to excel, finishing with 15 points, six rebounds and matching a season-high six assists versus the 'Toppers, while tallying three steals to increase his season total to 51. Dean ranks fifth in the nation in steals, in addition to leading the C-USA, while his 2.4 steals per game chart him 12^th in the NCAA.
 
Second on the squad at 11.9 ppg, Dean also ranks third in the C-USA for field goal percentage at 47.3 percent on the season.
 
Javaunte Hawkins rounded out Thursday's double-figure scorers with 14 points on a season-high six made field goals, including hitting 2-of-3 shots from distance in 18 minutes off the bench. Hawkins has provided a lift in FIU's 3-point depth over the past two games, having hit 4-of-6 from beyond the arc (66.7%) as a 33.3 percent 3-point shooter in league games.
 
The Panthers connected on 10-of-25 from beyond the arc as a team (40.0%) on Thursday, marking the second straight contest FIU buried 10 or more threes. Additionally, Nick Guadarrama has provided a hot hand from beyond the arc through conference play, leading the team at 36.6 percent shooting from deep (15-of-41).
 
Freshman Dashon Gittens pitched in nine points, an assist and a block in 20 minutes as a reserve, furthering his impact and contributions to the team as C-USA Freshman of the Week.
 
FIU forced 17 Western Kentucky turnovers and capitalized for 27 points in return en route ot the win, as the Panthers force an average of 16.4 turnovers per game (26^th NCAA).
 
LAST TIME OUT
FIU came up short in their last meeting with Middle Tennesse on Feb. 17, 2022, 71-65, inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.
 
The Blue Raiders have won the past three over FIU, as the Panthers' last win came on Jan. 9, 2021, in Murfreesboro, Tenn., 68-55. MTSU holds the all-time series edge, 33-11.
 
UP NEXT
FIU returns to league action on the road next week, traveling to face Charlotte Thursday, Feb. 2, inside Halton Arena. Tip-off is slated for a 7 p.m. start to be broadcast on ESPN+.
 
TICKETS
For more information on FIU tickets to FIU basketball home games, including student ticketing, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit HERE.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow the Panthers on Instagram (@FIUHoops), Twitter (@FIUHoops), and Facebook (Facebook.com/FIUMensBball) for all the latest Men's Basketball news.
 
General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.